US, Japan Celebrate Friendship Day

US Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Yokosuka naval base jointly celebrated their 39th annual Friendship Day, Aug. 1.

The two nations concurrently opened their respective bases to the general public to allow an estimated 56,000 visitors to enjoy festivities on the grounds and to come aboard ships and submarines.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) was moored at the Japanese base as thousands of visitors queued for the opportunity to tour the ship and take photos with Sailors.

CFAY also hosted ship tours aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and two visiting JMSDF ships, JS Hatsushima (MSC 606) and JS Enshu (AMS 4305).

The event included a tug-of-war contest, food booths, live music, and concerts by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet Band.

McCampbell and Mustin are two of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, and are forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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Image: US Navy